Mark Nougher had levelled for Redbridge from the penalty spot, but they went on to lose 4-2 against Barkingside. Pic: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO

Greg Akpele’s second half hat-trick saw 10-man Barkingside pick up a vital win over local rivals Redbridge at Oakside last night, who also finished the game with 10 men.

The Motormen went in front with 16 minutes on the clock when Chinedu McKenzie struck, though they were soon pegged back when Joe Bricknell slotted home a penalty for the visitors 11 minutes later.

That was how the scores remained at the break, but Barkingside took the lead through Akpele’s first of the night on the hour mark.

However, the goals continued to come and Side’s Josh Akpaka was shown his marching orders, before Mark Nougher slotted home the resultant penalty to level things up once again after 65 minutes

Barkingside defied the odds though and Akpele netted again just three minutes later to put the former Oakside outfit ahead for the second time.

Redbridge were then reduced to 10 men themselves when Vinny Murphy was sent off with four minutes left, and as the hosts pushed for a late equaliser, Akpele sealed his hat-trick to give Barkingside a much-needed win in their bid to avoid relegation.

The visitors remain in the relegation places despite the result, but reduced the gap to fourth bottom Chatham Town – who lost 4-2 at Thurrock – to four points with five games in hand, while Redbridge remain in 19th spot.

Barkingside are set to host play-off chasers Thurrock at Cricklefield on Saturday, while Redbridge are due to make the trip to Waltham Abbey.

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